Andhra Pradesh Government Forms SIT to Probe Mulakalacheruvu Spurious Liquor Case: CM Naidu Vows Strict Action

Amaravati, Oct 2025 :The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Mulakalacheruvu spurious liquor case, which has sparked widespread concern across the state. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that the SIT will conduct a comprehensive inquiry and overhaul the system to prevent such incidents in the future.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Naidu said the SIT will be headed by Eluru Range Inspector of Police G.V.G. Ashok Kumar, with IPS officers Rahul Dev Varma, Mallika Garg, and K. Chakravarthi as members. An expert from the Excise Department will also be part of the panel to ensure a thorough technical investigation.

Naidu revealed that 23 accused persons have been identified in the case, and 16 of them have been arrested, including the main accused, Janardhan. The Chief Minister stated that one Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader has also been suspended for his alleged involvement. “The government will not spare anyone, regardless of political affiliation. There will be no protection for those trying to hide behind political connections,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister further stated that the spurious liquor network has international roots, alleging that the liquor was originally linked to Africa, and that certain individuals were attempting to replicate the same illegal pattern in Andhra Pradesh. Naidu emphasised that it was the TDP leaders who first exposed the Mulakalacheruvu spurious liquor racket, underlining the government’s commitment to transparency.

Taking a swipe at opposition parties, Naidu said those demanding a CBI probe were doing so merely to divert attention and evade responsibility. He alleged that during the previous government’s tenure, illegal liquor trade was effectively legalised, as they owned and operated shops, transport, and distilleries under political protection. “They even made ganja cultivation a commercial crop and allowed the drug menace to grow unchecked between 2019 and 2024,” he said.

Naidu accused his predecessors of politicising the current case and launching false propaganda to mislead the public. “Those spreading fake narratives will face legal consequences. When 27 people died in Jangareddygudem under the previous regime, there was no response. Now, the same people are running false campaigns against this government,” he said.

The Chief Minister also issued a stern warning to Excise Department officials and staff, directing them to perform their duties strictly according to the law. “Any negligence or wrongdoing will invite disciplinary action,” he cautioned.

In an effort to enhance accountability and transparency, Naidu announced the launch of the AP Excise Suraksha App, designed to track and verify liquor bottles to curb the menace of spurious liquor. He explained that both liquor shop owners and consumers can scan the bottles using the app to determine their authenticity. “Every bottle will be traceable — from manufacture to sale. This will also help eliminate belt shops as each outlet will be geo-tagged,” he added.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government’s objective is not just to punish the guilty but to ensure that the entire excise and liquor distribution system is reformed. “This is not a one-time investigation. It’s a systemic correction to protect the people from the dangers of spurious liquor,” Naidu said.

With the SIT beginning its probe and the Excise Suraksha App rolled out, the Andhra Pradesh government appears determined to set an example through swift investigation, accountability, and technological intervention to prevent similar tragedies in the future.